This time of year, it seems all you hear is people blabbing on about how they need to change and become this new superhuman. I think we can get lost in the “sauce” aka the desire to become a new, shinier version of ourselves. We can forget to be kind to ourselves. We can forget to breathe.

Here’s a little list of things to make yourself feel new, but also still feel like you.

Move the rusty bones: stretch, feel, go on a walk. Depending on where you live, it can be very hard to bring yourself to exercise in the winter. Focus on the basics, and find what feels good.

Inspire yourself. Do something you would never do before (that thing that you said you didn’t have time for, weren’t young enough to do, would regret). Paint the sunset, make a collage of old photographs, read a wild genre, try to do stand on your hands. Surprise yourself! You just might like where it takes you.

Cleanse the gut. After turkey and ham and pies and wine – your body might be in a funk. I know during this time of the year my body gets used to having more food and moving less. Don’t make it hard on yourself-fill your plate with greens, grains, and whatever works for your body. Like Michael Pollan said, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” It really is that simple!

Fertilize your mind. Negative self talk is not cool. It’s an unhealthy habit that far too much of us need to ditch. We get addicted to comparing and complaining, because it’s far too easy to do…a lazy habit. Talk to yourself the way you would your best friend. It’s okay to like yourself.

It’s a new year. A time for forming a new mold to who we are and how we see ourselves. I know some people think resolutions are pointless and cheesy and stupid- but I like them. And I think it’s important to encourage the people in your life who make them. It bothers me when people say “Oh, everyone will be out of the gym by February”, that negative thinking doesn’t help anyone! Why discourage people trying to improve themselves?

Whether your goals are to improve relationships, get healthier, be more productive with your time, study smarter, read more books, go on adventures, act more genuinely, have more “me” time-whatever it may be-encourage yourself, encourage others. Breaking bad habits sucks. No one says it will be easy, but it sure is worth it.

Some people in your life may want explanations for your changes, but I honestly do not think you have to give one. If you want to be a different person, you shouldn’t have to explain yourself. We’re all on a journey to become the best we can be, as individuals, and sometimes making these changes you want to tell people and have people be involved- that is great! But some people want to do it alone, and not have to talk to others about it-that is okay too.

Know that this year, 2016, can be anything you make it. Become extremely connected to yourself, and hold yourself accountable! I believe that if you work hard, and don’t cheat yourself, you will be extremely impressed with who you become:-)

It’s getting hot outside y’all and that means clothes are coming off! Personally, I am in the worst mood if I don’t get moving and sweat everyday. I’ve come up with this intense workout that will make you feel amazing. This circuit is perfect to do outside!

Warm Up

go for a 5 minute jog and preform simple stretches to warm up your muscles

Circuit #1 (legs)

-25 lunges

-5 burpees

-25 jumping lunges

-5 burpees

-25 inner thigh squat pulses

-5 burpees

Circuit #2 (arms)

-10 push ups

-20 tricep dips

-30 small arm circles

-30 big arm circles

Circuit #3 (abs & butt)

-20 squats

-25 full crunches

-25 fire-hydrants each leg

-25 v-ups

-25 donkey-kicks

-1 minute plank

***Finish with a 1.5+ mile run*** and go give yourself an applause, you killed it!